The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has issued three executive decisions to enable the digital transformation of the non-banking financial sector. 5 of 2022, which regulates the use of financial technology and leverages its potential to enhance the capabilities of the non-banking financial sector and support Egypt’s vision of financial inclusion and digital transformation. Some companies have already started to implement financial technology in their services. Another company that has obtained FRA’s approval to launch a financial technology service is Web Advisors, which is a subsidiary of Mubasher. The issuance of financial technology legislation is expected to have a significant impact on improving economic conditions and providing new investment opportunities in various fields.

Another practice that denies women the ability to make informed decisions regarding their childbirth is the unnecessary usage of a cesarean section instead of natural vaginal delivery. Akl thinks that the fear of natural labor that many women have is because intercourse is already painful for them due to the lack of sex education. The social stigma against women’s bodies is another contributing factor that hinders women from saying no to crimes that are committed under the name of medical practices. “Medicine is a system that does not take into consideration women’s pain and is already undermining women’s bodies and ignoring women’s experiences, their preferences or pain. Natural labor is more lengthy and tiring than C-sections- a natural delivery session could last up to six hours, while cesarean section takes barely 30 minutes.

The gathering is also an affirmation of the Egyptian people’s unity in the face of threats of liquidating the Palestinian cause and compromising Egypt's national security and territorial integrity. Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi announced today a three-day period of national mourning to honor the innocent victims of the heinous attack on the hospital. On Wednesday, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stressed Egypt's unwavering support to the Palestinian people and rejection of Israeli plans to displace Gazans to Sinai. El-Sisi said millions of Egyptian people are ready to protest any plans to displace the Palestinian people from Gaza. Hundreds of citizens held protests in Egypt today to show solidarity with Palestine's Gaza residents against the Israeli aggression.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly represented President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi Wednesday, in the third session of the “Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation” in Beijing. He said that the Silk Road was the bridge that linked Asia and Africa and that the revival of that important corridor through the “Belt and Road” initiative is an important development that enhances the cooperation between the various countries of the initiative. He said that this would benefit the people of both countries and the world, and encourage cooperation to achieve development and progress for all. He said that Egypt’s participation in the third session of the “Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation” stems from the Egyptian state’s interest in the Belt and Road initiative launched by the Chinese President in 2013. He said that Egypt, as one of the parties to the Belt and Road Initiative, welcomes that it be a logistical and commercial center for the initiative countries; to contribute to facilitating the movement of shipping and trade between these countries without obstacles within the framework of an open global economy.

There were also others in solidarity with Gaza in Egypt’s Matrouh governorate in front of the building of the municipal authority as well as at Al Mahata Square in Asyut. The Coordination Committee of Party's Youth Leaders and Politicians (CPYP) organized a protest to support Egypt’s strong stance rejecting the displacement of Palestinians. CPYP protest comes in solidarity with the Palestinian people, and to denounce the crimes and violations committed by the Israeli forces against civilians, women and children. Members of the coalition called on social media users to share the tag of "Holding Out Until Aid Is Delivered," and to condemn the killing. The coalition's statement comes as part of dozens others released by parties, unions, and various institutions to condemn the cruel Israeli strikes on the tiny enclave of Gaza, killing thousands of women, children, and civilians.

CAIRO - 18 October 2023: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stated on Wednesday that what is happening in Gaza Strip now is not an eagerness to direct military action against Hamas, but rather an attempt to push civilians to seek refuge in Egypt. “We do not justify any violent action against a civilian,” he added. “Over the past years since the peace agreement with Israel, we were keen to make this path a strategic choice, and we seek for this path to be supported by other countries,” he said. “The deterioration is in an unfortunate and unprecedented manner, and the continuation of the current military operations will have security and humanitarian repercussions that could get out of control. There is a danger of expanding the scope of the conflict if all international and regional parties do not unite their efforts to immediately stop the current escalation,” President Sisi added.

CAIRO - 18 October 2023: In a solemn declaration, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has announced a three-day period of national mourning to honor the innocent victims of the heinous attack on the Al-Mamedani Hospital in Gaza. This declaration also extends to commemorate all the martyrs from the beloved Palestinian people. The declaration reflects Egypt's deep condolences and solidarity with the Palestinian people in the face of this tragic incident. The act of national mourning serves as a somber reminder of the human toll inflicted by such acts of violence and underscores the need for peace and stability in the region. This gesture of solidarity reaffirms Egypt's commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the protection of innocent lives.

WeProtect Global Alliance has released its fourth Global Threat Assessment Report, which revealed there has been an 87% increase in reported child sexual abuse material cases since 2019, with over 32 million reports globally (NCMEC). Since early 2023, cases of perpetrators also using generative Al to create child sexual abuse material and exploit children have been increasing. Thorn found that while less than 1% of child sexual abuse material files shared in a sample of offender communities are currently photorealistic computer-generated imagery (CGI) of child sexual abuse, the volume has increased consistently since August 2022. We are eager to share our expertise with those committed to combatting child sexual abuse effectively. We also need strong legislation to protect children from all forms of online child sexual exploitation, future-proofed against rapidly evolving technologies.”

Amr Talaat, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, inaugurated the first branch of the new generation of post offices that offer a “Drive Thru” service. It allows citizens to access Egypt’s digital services and integrated government, financial, and postal services from their cars without having to leave them. Talaat said that the “Drive Thru” post office in Nasr City is the first of its kind in Egypt. He explained that the “in-car service” office, known as “Drive Thru,” enables citizens to obtain all postal services while in their cars. Talaat also mentioned that a plan is being implemented to expand postal outlets throughout the country, including Egyptian Post, which has about 4,500 post offices.

Egypt has released more than 8 million tonnes of animal feed from its ports in the past year, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Elsayed Elkosayer. He said the feed supplies, worth $3.9bn, were part of the government’s efforts to support the livestock sector and ensure food security. He added that the release of feed was done in coordination with the Central Bank of Egypt and under the directives of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. Elkosayer said that from 22 September to 12 October 2023, the ministry released 319,000 tonnes of corn and soybeans, as well as feed additives, worth $170m. He said the corn and soybeans were essential for producing poultry and dairy products, which are in high demand in the local market.

Cairo – 17 October 2023: Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said that Palestine have always warned the world from Israel’s crimes. “We will not allow a new Nakba (catastrophe) in the twenty-first century, and we will not accept the displacement of our people again,” he said. On Tuesday, Israel bombed Gaza Baptist Hospital where thousands of displaced Palestinians took refuge, killing up to 500 people. Palestinian Minister of Health said that the bombing of Gaza Baptist Hospital is a ‘genocide’. ‘We appeal to the international community to protect the Palestinian people’ the minster said.

CAIRO - 17 October 2023: The Chinese delegate to the UN Security Council, Zhang Gong, called for respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, following the Council’s rejection to a Russian draft resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza. Chang Jung said: "We call for respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, and we express our concern about Israel's decision to besiege the Gaza Strip." The Chinese delegate added: "We call on Israel to stop collective punishment against the residents of Gaza, and protecting civilians must be a priority for all parties."

Egypt on Saturday will host an international and regional summit to discuss the worsening conditions resulting from Israeli aggression on Gaza. French supportPresident Sisi also met with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna to discuss the latest developments in the most prominent regional issues, especially the Gaza Strip. The French side presented its vision on the matter while praising Egypt’s pivotal role in responsibly dealing with the issue and its political and humanitarian aspects. Sisi called to reduce the escalation and not punish civilians collectively via besieging their homes, starvation, or displacement. Fahmy added that during the meeting, an agreement was reached regarding the seriousness of the current situation and its threat to the region.

Egypt - The House of Representatives passed on Monday a bill proposed by the government to grant some facilities to Egyptians living abroad. The bill aims to extend the tax-free car import initiative that allows Egyptians abroad to import cars without paying taxes and fees, in exchange for transferring a certain amount of foreign currency. The bill was discussed by a committee headed by Fakhri Al-Fekki, the Chairperson of the planning and budget committee in the House of Representatives. He said that the bill was a response to the requests of many Egyptians abroad who had not benefited from the previous initiative, which was enacted by Law No. The bill would add three months for eligible Egyptians abroad and their family members to transfer the required amount of foreign currency and import cars without taxes and fees.

Evacuating civilians under international lawEvacuations in armed conflict are strictly governed by international humanitarian law, which seeks to balance military and humanitarian needs. International law requires it to allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need. As an occupying power under international humanitarian law, Israel may order an evacuation for imperative military reasons, or for the safety of civilians, but civilians must still be protected. Anyone who refuses to evacuate Gaza – or simply cannot evacuate – remains protected as a civilian. Jane McAdam, Scientia Professor and Director of the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Sydney and Ben Saul, Challis Chair of International Law, Sydney Law School, University of SydneyThis article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.